ABOUT US
ABOUT US
ABOUT US
Who We Are
Place to Be Me is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the learning and enriching the lives of individuals with special needs. We do this by providing social and recreational programs for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and/or physical disabilities. Our goal is to provide inclusive, engaging, and adaptive programming that supports the emotional, physical, and social development of every individual we serve. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment where participants build friendships, develop life skills, and gain confidence through meaningful experiences.
Our Mission
The mission of Place To Be Me is to enhance the learning and enrich the lives of individuals with special needs.
Our Vision
It is our vision to be recognized for our excellent programming for individuals with special needs.
Who We Are
Place to Be Me is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the learning and enriching the lives of individuals with special needs. We do this by providing social and recreational programs for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and/or physical disabilities. Our goal is to provide inclusive, engaging, and adaptive programming that supports the emotional, physical, and social development of every individual we serve. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment where participants build friendships, develop life skills, and gain confidence through meaningful experiences.
Our Mission
The mission of Place To Be Me is to enhance the learning and enrich the lives of individuals with special needs.
Our Vision
It is our vision to be recognized for our excellent programming for individuals with special needs.
Our History
The Children’s Dispensary & Hospital Association began in 1909 as a free dispensary to serve the needs of undernourished children in South Bend. Community support, both financially and through volunteerism, allowed the Children’s Dispensary to expand its care to address the medical needs of the community’s children.
By 1919, the Dispensary was open year round and held clinics twice weekly with physicians who donated their service. An orthopedic department was established in 1920. Other clinics including dental, eye, ear, nose and throat were also added. During the 1930’s, the care increased with the spread of Polio.
With the building of the Northern Indiana Children’s State Hospital in 1947, the orthopedic and physical therapy departments moved away from Children’s Dispensary & Hospital. By 1966, the medical and dental operations went to St. Joseph and Memorial Hospitals.
Staying true it is values of providing for the needs of the underserved in the community, Children’s Dispensary then focused on the educational, social, and recreational needs of children with learning, developmental and/or physical disabilities.
As a small yet vital nonprofit organization, the Children’s Dispensary has served the community through progressive and challenging programs for over 110 years. Through generous community support and volunteerism, the organization’s programs and services have evolved through the decades as the needs of the community have evolved. We remain true to our mission:
. . . to enhance the learning and enrich the lives of children with special needs.
“Place to Be Me” – programming by the Children’s Dispensary, is honored to carry on the mission started in the name of the Children’s Dispensary & Hospital Association over
110 years ago.
Place to Be Me, Children’s Dispensary Programs is honored to carry on its mission as Children’s Dispensary & Hospital Association celebrates 115 years, in 2024, serving the South Bend community. It was a long time goal of the Board of Directors to have a facility for clients to attend programs. Since 2022, Place to Be Me has been welcoming clients to our facility on Niles Ave for a variety of activities including arts and crafts, music and movement and more.
Our History
The Children’s Dispensary & Hospital Association began in 1909 as a free dispensary to serve the needs of undernourished children in South Bend. Community support, both financially and through volunteerism, allowed the Children’s Dispensary to expand its care to address the medical needs of the community’s children.
By 1919, the Dispensary was open year round and held clinics twice weekly with physicians who donated their service. An orthopedic department was established in 1920. Other clinics including dental, eye, ear, nose and throat were also added. During the 1930’s, the care increased with the spread of Polio.
With the building of the Northern Indiana Children’s State Hospital in 1947, the orthopedic and physical therapy departments moved away from Children’s Dispensary & Hospital. By 1966, the medical and dental operations went to St. Joseph and Memorial Hospitals.
Staying true it is values of providing for the needs of the underserved in the community, Children’s Dispensary then focused on the educational, social, and recreational needs of children with learning, developmental and/or physical disabilities.
As a small yet vital nonprofit organization, the Children’s Dispensary has served the community through progressive and challenging programs for over 110 years. Through generous community support and volunteerism, the organization’s programs and services have evolved through the decades as the needs of the community have evolved. We remain true to our mission:
. . . to enhance the learning and enrich the lives of children with special needs.
“Place to Be Me” – programming by the Children’s Dispensary, is honored to carry on the mission started in the name of the Children’s Dispensary & Hospital Association over
110 years ago.
Place to Be Me, Children’s Dispensary Programs is honored to carry on its mission as Children’s Dispensary & Hospital Association celebrates 115 years, in 2024, serving the South Bend community. It was a long time goal of the Board of Directors to have a facility for clients to attend programs. Since 2022, Place to Be Me has been welcoming clients to our facility on Niles Ave for a variety of activities including arts and crafts, music and movement and more.
Meet Our Staff
Cindy Butt, Executive Director
Cindy has been an integral part of Children’s Dispensary since 2020, initially serving as Office Manager. Since stepping into the Executive Director position in 2021, Cindy has been instrumental in leading major organizational milestones. Under her guidance, the Children’s Dispensary successfully rebranded its programming to be “Place to Be Me”, reflecting a renewed commitment to creating inclusive, empowering experiences for people of all abilities. She also oversaw the organization’s transition into a new, expanded facility, a move that has allowed for greater program growth, improved accessibility, and enhanced community engagement.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Haley Wigfall, Program Director
Haley joined Place To Be Me as Program Director in August 2022. With six years of experience as a Registered Behavioral Therapist, she is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments and driving success for clients, the community, and the company.
Outside of work, you’ll find Haley traveling, binge-watching her favorite tv shows, reading a new romance book, or spending time with her husband and their beloved fur babies.
Michael Baughman, Program Assistant
Michael started as the Program Assistant in January of 2025 and is excited to bring his experience working at summer camps, after school programs and as a Registered Behavior Technician to the team. He is thankful to be a part of this great community where he can use his gifts and continue to learn each day. He hopes to develop deep friendships and to help create a place of belonging for everyone.
In his free time Michael enjoys drumming, drawing, reading, and cooking. He also loves spending time with his family and friends, and going on hikes with his dog, Oscar.
Mamie Van Goey, Office Assistant
Mamie has been working at Place To Be Me since the summer of 2022. She has been working in the office helping with keeping things organized and running smoothly; as well as helping at programs to make sure everyone has the best experience.
Outside of work and programs, she loves reading any book available, watching TV shows, spending time on the lake, visiting family, or spending time with her husband.
Meet Our Staff
Cindy Butt, Executive Director
Cindy has been an integral part of Children’s Dispensary since 2020, initially serving as Office Manager. Since stepping into the Executive Director position in 2021, Cindy has been instrumental in leading major organizational milestones. Under her guidance, the Children’s Dispensary successfully rebranded its programming to be “Place to Be Me”, reflecting a renewed commitment to creating inclusive, empowering experiences for people of all abilities. She also oversaw the organization’s transition into a new, expanded facility, a move that has allowed for greater program growth, improved accessibility, and enhanced community engagement.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Haley Wigfall, Program Director
Haley joined Place To Be Me as Program Director in August 2022. With six years of experience as a Registered Behavioral Therapist, she is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments and driving success for clients, the community, and the company.
Outside of work, you’ll find Haley traveling, binge-watching her favorite tv shows, reading a new romance book, or spending time with her husband and their beloved fur babies.
Michael Baughman, Program Assistant
Michael started as Program Assistant in January of 2025 and is excited to bring his experience working at summer camps, after school programs and as a Registered Behavior Technician to the team. He is thankful to be a part of this great community where he can use his gifts and continue to learn each day. He hopes to develop deep friendships and to help create a place of belonging for everyone.
In his free time Michael enjoys drumming, drawing, reading, and cooking. He also loves spending time with his family and friends, and going on hikes with his dog, Oscar.
Mamie Van Goey, Office Assistant
Mamie has been working at Place To Be Me since the summer of 2022. She has been working in the office helping with keeping things organized and running smoothly; as well as helping at programs to make sure everyone has the best experience.
Outside of work and programs, she loves reading any book available, watching TV shows, spending time on the lake, visiting family, or spending time with her husband.
Meet Our Staff
Cindy Butt, Executive Director
Cindy has been an integral part of Children’s Dispensary since 2020, initially serving as Office Manager. Since stepping into the Executive Director position in 2021, Cindy has been instrumental in leading major organizational milestones. Under her guidance, the Children’s Dispensary successfully rebranded its programming to be “Place to Be Me”, reflecting a renewed commitment to creating inclusive, empowering experiences for people of all abilities. She also oversaw the organization’s transition into a new, expanded facility, a move that has allowed for greater program growth, improved accessibility, and enhanced community engagement.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Haley Wigfall, Program Director
Haley joined Place To Be Me as Program Director in August 2022. With six years of experience as a Registered Behavioral Therapist, she is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments and driving success for clients, the community, and the company.
Outside of work, you’ll find Haley traveling, binge-watching her favorite tv shows, reading a new romance book, or spending time with her husband and their beloved fur babies.
Mamie Van Goey, Office Assistant
Mamie has been working at Place To Be Me since summer 2022. She has been working in the office helping keep things organized and running smoothly; as well as helping at programs to make sure everyone has the best experience.
Outside of work and programs, she loves reading any book she can get her hands on, watching TV shows and classic movies, spending time on the lake, visiting with family, and spending time with her husband.
Michael Baughman, Program Assistant
Michael started as the Program Assistant in January 2025 and is excited to bring his experience working at summer camps, after school programs and as a Registered Behavior Technician to the team. He is thankful to be a part of this great community where he can use his gifts and continue to learn each other. He hopes to develop deep friendships and to help create a place of belonging for everyone.
In his free time Michael enjoys drumming, drawing, reading, and cooking. He also loves spending time with his family and friends, and going on hikes with his dog, Oscar.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Alison Tusing
Board President
Peggy Voorheis
Secretary/Treasurer
Tara Kenjockety
Board Member
Darcy Hoffman
Board Member
Andrew Wery
Board Member
Susan Smith
Board Member
Jessica Ribaudo
Board Member
Meet Our Board of Directors
Alison Tusing
Board President
Peggy Voorheis
Secretary/Treasurer
Darcy Hoffman
Board Member
Andrew Wery
Board Member
Susan Smith
Board Member
Jessica Ribaudo
Board Member
Tara Kenjockety
Board Member
